Web Show: How To Create a Parody

A popular web show that is gaining rapid audience appeal is a
parody. Part of their appeal is built in-you're not creating something
brand new, but you're spinning something that already exists. Audiences
are already familiar with it. Oftentimes, humor comes from areas such
as irony and exaggeration. Paradox makes people laugh because things get
put together that don't normally go together.

Step 1: Make 'Em Laugh!

There are some things to think about before you embark on making a
parody, and one that may seem obvious is whether or not you're funny. Be
honest about this. Parody may not be for everybody. Examine yourself
and honestly assess whether or not you have a good sense of humor,
timing and irony. If you do, parody may be right for you. If you don't,
there are plenty of other genres you can explore to express yourself
without embarrassing yourself.

If you can make people laugh (ask your best friends, but be prepared
in case they're laughing at you rather than with you,) think about what
things make you laugh. Is there anything that you look at and think,
"That's ridiculous!" Music videos? Political statements? Scary movies?
Commercials? These have all been sources for popular parodies in recent
years. Don't just study what makes you laugh, but also what you're
interested in. If you gravitate toward the things that interest you, you
have an advantage in that you're already familiar with it.

It may be worth noting that some of the shorter forms, like
commercials, are easier to start with because there's usually not quite
as much involved in the actual production. But, more importantly, it's
best to get in and get out as quickly as possible. That's why
commercials are a good choice for parody. Your audience will recognize
what the source material is, and they'll notice the irony that it's not
exactly what they expected, and you're done before they know it while
they're still laughing.

Step 2: Spin It

Think about what is the most absurd way of looking at what you want
to parody. Can you push it to its extreme? View it from another
perspective. Maybe 180 degrees from where it started. Also, you need to
be realistic and think about whether it's something you can pull off.
Unless you have a spare 747, it might be tough to make that disaster
movie parody.

Step 3: Who Is It For?

Keep in mind your audience and your target. Sometimes it may be easy
to make fun of someone, but think about if it might do some real damage
before you zing them. And, your audience may have seen more than their
share of parodies in the genre you're attacking. Will they still think
it's funny? If not, you might want to choose another topic.

Step 4: Put It Together

If you've got the right idea, you know how to make people laugh, and
you have the equipment and people to do it, give it your best shot and
put it up on the web. Everybody's looking for a good laugh, and you may
just be the one to give it to them.